Photo courtesy of the Le Mars Fire Department
On Saturday August 13, 2016 at 11:35am the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was called to 30405 Hwy 3 which is west of Le Mars for a house fire. The house is owned by Judy Lang of Le Mars and rented by Tim and Kari Tomlinson. No one was home at the time of the fire. The fire was called in by a passerby on Hwy 3.
Upon arrival firefighters encountered heavy fire showing from a double garage which was attached to a two story home with a breezeway. This home is located next to Central Valley Ag of West Le Mars. There were three propane delivery trucks on the east side of the home’s property. Firefighters attacked the fire defensively from the outside initially putting out a nearby pull camper that had caught fire and also watering down the three propane trucks until they were moved away from the scene to a safe area. The fire had extended from the garage through the attached breezeway and into the house. Firefighters after slowing the fire made entry into the home and stopped the fire coming through the attic of the two story house.
The origin for the fire was determined to be on the north wall of the double attached garage. The cause for the fire has been determined to be accidental with the most probable cause being an electrical equipment malfunction. An extension cord reel box failed that was suppling power to a camper and outdoor swimming pool pump. The camper was just plugged in this morning and the air conditioner turned on. The fire spread from the north wall of this garage through the breezeway and into the roof area of the home.
Damage is estimated to be over $110,000.00. The home is not able to be occupied. There were no injuries, but several firefighters were rehabbed at the scene by the Le Mars Ambulance Crew do to the hot temperatures.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was assisted at the scene by the Merrill, Hinton, Akron, and Orange City Fire Departments, Le Mars Ambulance Service, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, American Red Cross, and MidAmerican Energy.
